Residents and staff at OSJCT Hayward Care Centre in Devizes have been busy preparing shoeboxes filled with treasured everyday items as part of the inspiring ‘Shoebox Stories’ project.
Shoebox Stories is a creative and dementia-friendly initiative that celebrates the voices, memories, and imagination of residents across OSJCT homes. The concept is beautifully simple: a shoebox filled with familiar objects becomes the starting point for storytelling, sparking conversations, reminiscence, and shared experiences.
During small group sessions, residents are invited to choose an item from the box and share a memory, thought, or feeling inspired by it. With gentle encouragement and support from staff, each contribution helps shape a collective story that grows naturally from the ideas and experiences shared within the group.
At Hayward Care Centre, residents have been carefully selecting and arranging meaningful objects for their shoeboxes, ranging from keepsakes and household items to photographs and trinkets that evoke memories from years gone by. The activity has already encouraged laughter, conversation, and connection among residents.
The project combines storytelling, creativity, and reminiscence therapy, helping to support wellbeing and meaningful engagement for people living with dementia. More than simply creating stories, Shoebox Stories provides an opportunity for residents to share their life experiences, celebrate their individuality, and connect with others in a relaxed and supportive setting.
The Shoebox Stories project continues to bring together residents and staff across OSJCT homes, celebrating the voices, talents, and lived experiences of older people through the power of storytelling.